Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Practice Test

Ordinarily, those conducting internal quality program assessments report to whom?

1. The board.

2. The chief audit executive.

3. Senior management.

4. The internal audit staff.

The correct answer is: The chief audit executive.

The correct answer highlights that those conducting internal quality program assessments typically report to the chief audit executive (CAE). This is because the CAE is responsible for overseeing the internal audit function and ensuring that its operations adhere to professional standards and practices. By having the quality program assessments reported directly to the CAE, it promotes accountability and provides a clear line of communication regarding the quality and effectiveness of the internal audit processes. Reporting to the CAE also allows for more effective oversight and facilitates an environment where audit quality improvements can be discussed and implemented. The CAE can then take the necessary actions based on the findings of the assessments, further enhancing the organization's internal auditing capabilities. In contrast, reporting to the board, senior management, or the internal audit staff may not provide the necessary independence and oversight that the CAE can offer. Reporting to the board could lead to potential conflicts of interest, while senior management might not have the specialized focus on audit quality needed for effective assessments. Additionally, reporting solely to the internal audit staff could compromise the impartiality required for genuine quality assessments. Hence, the CAE serves as the most appropriate and effective reporting authority in this context.